About 30 people attended an informational hearing held by the DeWitt Planning Board Thursday night to consider a zone change request along Route 173 from Jamesville to the Manlius town line.

Most people in attendance who spoke during the hearing said they support the zone change, although one resident questioned why it is necessary.

The zone change request would be from the Onondaga County Correctional Facility in Jamesville to the town of Manlius line. About 10 people who own properties along the road have asked the town to change the zoning from residential to business. The town is considering an overlay district, which would change the zoning to business, but with restrictions.

A similar business zone with restrictive covenants exists between Taylor and Gates roads in front of City Lights, extending back about 600 feet. This would, in essence, be an extension of that.

Todd Schanbacher, president of Green Scapes in Jamesville, told the board he’s restricted from growing because of the current zoning. His property is “grandfathered” in because it existed before the zoning changed, but because of that, he can’t make improvements or put on an addition.

The board explained that things like fast-food restaurants, drive-in banks and gas stations would be prohibited with the restrictions.

Karen Kitney, who lives in City Lights, said the board needs to consider sewers, stormwater management and traffic.

Rick Kier, president of Proscapes, said the this would make the zoning tie in with the existing “grandfathered” businesses.

The planning board will make a recommendation to the town board, which will hold a public hearing on the proposal before making a decision.